果蝇复杂脑功能研究进展

Higher Brain Functions in Drosophila

全面揭示脑的奥秘是现代科学所面临的最大挑战.通过脑研究,我们可以获得防治脑疾病、认知及心理障碍的线索和工具,找到提高人类智力和心理健康水平的途径,并发展出具备高等智能的机器人.果蝇作为研究基因-神经回路-行为关系的首选模式动物,日益得到重视.本文围绕果蝇复杂脑功能包括视觉学习记忆、欲望与动机、情感相关行为和社会行为的研究意义及前景、已知调控基因及神经回路以及未来研究方向展开综述,便于读者把握相关领域的全貌.

To fully understand the mystery of the brain is the biggest challenge facing the modern science. A deeper knowledge of how a brain works will have profound implications, both for appreciating our own minds,ranging from intelligence to emotion, and for treatments of brain diseases that have brought much sufferings to individuals and society. As a model organism for modern neuroscience, the common fruit fly, Drosophila, is emerging as one of the primary choice for studying the genetic basis and neural circuit of behavior. This review will focus on higher brain functions, including learning and memory, motivation, emotional and social behaviors in Drosophila. We will cover the significance, background, current progress, and prospect of the related topics. We hope this review would help the readers to catch a glimpse of the dynamic range of Drosophila neurogenetic research and the leading edge of the brain science.